When I was in University, I decided that I wanted to be able to be self-sufficient by the time I was thirty.

Call me a luddite, survivalist, or just a little bit misanthropic, but I didn't (and still don't) really have a lot of faith in modern society or the people running it. In the pursuit of sufficiency, I did learn to knit, took entry-level plumbing at College, learned how bread, pasta, and tofu are made from scratch, and found that vegetables can be grown with a minimum of fuss.

I still dream of getting my air-brakes ticket, pilot's license and whatever else I need to hop in any damn vehicle and be able to move it. In the meantime I will feel secure knowing I can repair my house, feed myself, and (if I need to) make or at least repair my own clothing (though I haven't learned how to spin wool -- or sheer a sheep -- I think I could learn if the need arose).